Naming Ceremonies
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A naming ceremony is a joyful and meaningful way to welcome a child into the world and celebrate the people who will support, guide and love them throughout their life.
Unlike a religious christening or baptism, a naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration that can be completely personalised to reflect your family's values, beliefs and traditions.
A naming ceremony can be held for babies and young children, but it can also be used to celebrate an adopted child, a blended family, a change of name, or even an adult embarking on a new chapter in life.
It is an opportunity to celebrate your family’s history and share the journey that brought you all together. It is also a beautiful time to share the meaning behind the name, why it was chosen and what it represents.
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During naming ceremonies parents can make heartfelt promises to their child, expressing the values they hope to nurture and the support they promise to provide throughout their life.
Many families choose to include guide parents, mentors or special adults who make their own promises to support and encourage the child as they grow.
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A naming ceremony can be a family affair, with parents, grandparents, relatives and friends all playing a role.
Favourite poems, stories or pieces of music can all be included in your unique naming ceremony.
You may also want to introduce symbolic rituals, such as:
Planting a tree together
Creating a memory box
Lighting a candle
Writing messages for the future